The Gunners have fired off support for owls popping up across north London where fans can go on a summer owl hunt in the streets.

Both Arsenal and Spurs are backing an eight-week arts trail to raise funds for North London Hospice to help keep its end-of-life care service open which faces soaring running costs of £16million every year.

Mayor of Haringey Cllr Sue Jameson opened the trail of 30 giant owl statues and 25 baby owls roosting on their plinths, hidden in plain sight.

Mayor of Haringey Sue Jameson opens Owl arts trailMayor of Haringey Sue Jameson opens Owl arts trail (Image: Haringey LB)

“The owls are magnificent,” she said. “I can’t wait to see them pop up along the trail.”

She was joined by neighbouring mayor of Barnet Tony Vourou to start the eight-week project to raise awareness and funds for the hospice in North Finchley.

Each 5ft sculpture, painted by a different artist, is waiting to be discovered until the end of September, using maps or an app to unlock rewards along the way.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur supporters can seek out owls in their team colours while fans of comedian Matt Lucas can look for his colourful owl. There is also a design from children’s author Rob Biddulph.

The 25 smaller owls are designed by Barnet, Enfield and Haringey schools and community groups, placed at landmarks such as Alexandra Palace and Spurs’ White Hart Lane stadium.

North London Hospice, which caters for Barnet, Enfield and Haringey as well as services in Camden and Islington, picked owls as they are known for their ‘wisdom and kindness’ — like their caring staff.

It helps 3,500 people with a life-limiting illness every year and provides support for their families and friends. But it needs an annual budget of £16m to keep going.

The owl sculptures are being auctioned after eight weeks to raise money to keep the end-of-life care service running.